Do you see pizza, pasta, and loads of garlic in your future? If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you may be feeling bit overwhelmed deciding what to see and what cities to visit.
While all of Italy’s main cities have their merits, it’s hard to beat Venice. The picturesque canals and unique culture make this a must-see on your upcoming trip. Although Venice is tiny, it can still be hard to get around, so you want to make sure you’re staying in an ideal location.
We’ve outlined the best areas to stay in Venice for you, so you don’t have to stress about researching every Venetian neighborhood.
Do you want to know more? Keep reading to discover the 6 best areas to stay in Venice.
To Be in the Center of the Action
Who wants to waste time on their Italian vacation commuting to and from the big attractions? If you’re looking to stay in a centrally located area, you have a few options.
1. San Marco
San Marco is perhaps the most touristy area in Venice. And there’s a good reason why.
There are tons of museums, attractions, and monuments located here, including St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Doge’s Palace, and the Grand Canal. This is also where you can find tons of gondola rides, which is a must for anyone spending time in Venice.
Aside from these amazing attractions, San Marco is also very photogenic. You’ll find plenty of Instagram-worthy shots around every turn.
And let’s not forget the shops! San Marco is full of small stores featuring masquerade masks and hand-blown glass souvenirs. You could easily spend an entire day just looking through the shops.
Plus, since it’s located right on the Grand Canal, you can easily grab a water taxi to explore other areas of Venice.
2. San Polo
Located right across the Grand Canal from San Marco is San Polo. This is another popular area, and it’s easily within walking distance to San Marco. If you want to explore both, consider staying close to the Rialto Bridge which connects the two areas.
You can experience the same types of shops and picturesque views. In the San Polo side, be sure to check out the Rialto fruit and vegetable markets for a fresh and healthy snack throughout the day.
3. Cannaregio
Is this your second time visiting Venice? If you’ve already seen San Marco and San Polo, you may want to try something new on this vacation.
Cannaregio isn’t terribly far from these hot tourist spots, so you’ll still be able to walk to many of the attractions (depending on which area of Cannaregio you choose to stay in). But Cannaregio is packed with its own impressive spots.
Here you can see the Palazzo Santa Sofia, the Santa Maria dei Miracoli church, the Jewish Ghetto, and the Jewish Museum. Of course, there are also plenty of shops and restaurants, as well as a gorgeous view of the Grand Canal.
The real benefit of staying in Cannaregio is being close to these historical sites without dealing with all the crowds. That’s right, many tourists opt for San Marco or San Palo, so Cannaregio enjoys fewer tourists than it’s popular neighbors.
4. Castello
Are you having trouble deciding between San Marco and Cannaregio? Then consider staying in Castello! The western side borders both of these areas, putting you within walking distance to most of your must-see list.
Of course, Castello has its own impressive sites to see. If you choose to stay here, consider visiting Venice’s Arsenale, the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, the Church of San Zaccaria, and Santa Maria Formosa.
This is also a great location if you plan to explore other areas of Venice. It offers tons of ferries that can take you to nearby islands, like Murano and Burano.
To Save Money
It’s no secret that Italy is expensive! If you’re traveling on a budget, you may want to stay in a cheaper area of Venice. Although Venice is a pricey city, there is one area that could help you save.
5. Santa Croce
To be honest, there isn’t a whole lot to do or see in Santa Croce. While this means you’ll need to travel a bit to see the sites, it also means hotels here are considerably cheaper than they are in major tourist areas.
One of the best parts about staying in Santa Croce is the accessibility. There’s a bus station and ferry terminals that can help transport you to where ever you want to go in Venice.
Even if you stay on the far west side, you can still walk to San Polo within 20 minutes. So, you may not even need to spend money on transportation to see Venice’s top sites.
To Enjoy Nightlife
Are you looking for a way to enjoy your evenings as much as you enjoy your days? Then, you’ll want to stay somewhere that has a good nightlife scene.
6. Dorsoduro
Dorsoduro is becoming more and more popular among younger tourists due to its lively nightlife and laid-back bohemian charm. You won’t have a problem finding affordable bars here, which make it perfect for the night owl.
Dorsoduro is located right next to San Polo with San Marco just across the Grand Canal, giving it a close proximity to some of Venice’s top attractions. There’s also a few must-see sites in Dorsoduro, including the Ca’ Rezzonico, Church of San Sebastiano, and Gallerie dell’Accademia.
Best Areas to Stay in Venice
Don’t make the mistake of choosing just any hotel in Venice. To get the most out of your experience, you’ll want to pick accommodation in one of the best areas to stay in Venice. From San Marco to Dorsoduro, you’re sure to find the perfect area for your budget and travel style.
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